Tom Schatz Introduction, Retired Men’s Luncheon Group Talk, 3/17/06, DuPont Country Club
Good afternoon, everyone!
It’s my pleasure to introduce Tom Schatz, President of Citizens Against Government Waste. His organization, commonly known as CAGW, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with over a million members and supporters nationwide. Those are impressive numbers, and they say a lot about Tom’s leadership since he took the helm in 1986.
Just a few words about Mr. Schatz’s credentials. He’s a graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he majored in Political Science. He also holds a law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. As president of CAGW, he has become an articulate national spokesman for economy in government. He has appeared on literally hundreds of radio talk shows around the country. He has also been interviewed on television and testified before Congressional committees on numerous occasions.
I’d like to say just a few words about the importance of cutting government spending, which is high on the agenda of Secure America’s Future Economy – or SAFE – and then turn the rostrum over to Tom. By the way, could the SAFE members in the audience please hold up your hands – [count was about 8 out of 101] – thank you.
I was also going to acknowledge representatives from the three Delaware Congressional delegations, but none of them showed up. If any of you gentlemen have the opportunity, why don’t you pass on the word to the Congressional offices that you heard a pretty good talk today and WHY WEREN’T THEY PRESENT TO HEAR IT TOO?
Now, as for wasteful Government spending, the problem isn’t exactly new. Thousands of years ago, the riches of Egypt were poured into building pyramids. Here’s a picture of that activity – hold up cartoon and describe what it shows. Also, read the sardonic comment of one overseer to the other: “You’re sure this will stimulate the economy?”
And everyone talks about such big numbers, billions and even trillions of dollars, that they are hard to comprehend. Here are a couple of facts about the number “one billion” that may help you put it in perspective.
§ A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
§ Our Government is currently spending money at the rate of one billion dollars every 8 hours and 20 minutes.
Enough said, it’s time to hear from Mr. Schatz. I’m hoping that Tom will not only talk about the need to cut government spending, but also offer some specific ideas as to where the cuts need to be made and how ordinary people like us can help make things happen.